50 Days Until College Move-In: Our Dorm Planning Checklist and Shopping Game Plan
If you’re counting down to college move-in day, I have a feeling your house looks a lot like ours right now.
There are lists on the kitchen counter.
Pinterest boards full of dorm room inspiration.
Amazon carts that somehow keep getting bigger.
And every conversation seems to end with, “Do you think we really need that?”
We’re about 50 days away from helping our daughter move into her dorm, and while the excitement is building, I’ll admit the emotions are too.
Some days I’m excited to help her begin this new adventure.
Other days I’m wondering how we got here so quickly.
Instead of waiting until the last minute, we’ve decided to tackle one small task every week. It’s helping us stay organized, spread out the expenses, and avoid the stress of a giant shopping trip a few days before move-in.
Step 1: Start with the College’s Official List
Before buying anything, we downloaded the dorm checklist from her college.
Every school is a little different. Some provide a microwave, some don’t. Some allow certain appliances, while others have restrictions.
Starting with the official list helped us avoid buying things she can’t even bring.
Step 2: Create Three Shopping Lists
To keep everything organized, we divided our shopping into three categories.
Must-Haves
These are the essentials she truly needs for day one.
- Twin XL bedding
- Mattress topper
- Pillows
- Towels
- Laundry basket
- Shower caddy
- Power strip
- Basic school supplies
Nice-to-Haves
These make dorm life more comfortable.
- Bedside caddy
- Rolling storage cart
- Under-bed storage bins
- Clip-on fan
- Desk lamp
- Command hooks
Wait and See
Some things are better purchased after move-in.
Once she meets her roommate and sees the space, we’ll decide if she needs additional storage, a mini vacuum, extra organizers, or décor.
Step 3: Spread Out the Shopping
Buying everything at once can get expensive.
We’re picking up a few items each week. It makes the process feel much more manageable, and it gives us time to watch for sales.
I’ve also started a simple checklist so we know exactly what we’ve already purchased and what still needs to be ordered.
Step 4: Think About Storage Before Decorating
It’s easy to get caught up in cute bedding and decorations.
We’re trying to focus on function first.
If everything has a place, keeping the room clean becomes much easier.
Storage bins, drawer organizers, and over-the-door organizers are higher on our priority list than decorative pillows.
Step 5: Remember What This Season Is Really About
As much as this season is about shopping and planning, it’s also about celebrating a huge milestone.
We’re trying to enjoy the little moments along the way.
Shopping together.
Talking about classes.
Dreaming about what’s ahead.
Before we know it, move-in day will be here.
Right now, we’re simply taking it one list, one shopping trip, and one memory at a time.
If you’re preparing for college move-in too, I hope this helps you feel a little more organized and a little less overwhelmed.
We’ve still got 50 days to go, and I’ll be sharing everything we’re learning along the way.